Reported Speech Worksheet B1 — Free PDF with Answer Key

Reported Speech Worksheet B1 — Free PDF with Answer Key

Reported speech is essential for retelling what others said. Adults use it constantly: “She told me she was busy” / “He asked if I could help” / “They said they would call back.” This worksheet teaches the patterns systematically.

What This Worksheet Covers

• Statements (she said she was tired)
• Questions (he asked if I knew the answer)
• Commands/requests (she told me to sit down)
• Tense backshift rules
• Time/place changes (today → that day, here → there)
• 40+ exercises with answer key

How to Use This Worksheet

Warm-up (5 min): Show 3 pairs of direct/reported speech. Ask: “Which did the person actually say?”

Section 1-3 (25 min): Students transform direct speech to reported speech. Check in pairs first.

Section 4 (10 min): Students identify and correct common errors (missing tense backshift, wrong time expressions).

Production (15 min): Students write reported speech from real conversations they had.

Why Adults Need This Worksheet

Adults report what others said all the time: in meetings, in emails, in casual conversation. Mastering reported speech is essential for clear professional and personal communication.

Worksheet Sections (PDF Preview)

Section 1: Reported Statements (15 items)

Transform direct statements to reported speech. Focus on tense backshift.

Section 2: Reported Questions (10 items)

Transform direct questions to reported questions. Focus on word order and auxiliary verbs.

Section 3: Reported Commands and Requests (10 items)

Transform direct commands to reported speech using tell/ask/advise + infinitive.

Section 4: Time and Place Changes (5 items)

Adjust time and place expressions: today → that day, here → there, tomorrow → the next day.

Section 5: Production Activity

Students create their own reported speech from real conversations.

FAQ

What does this worksheet cover?

Statements, questions, commands, tense backshift, time/place changes. 40+ exercises with answer key.

What level is this worksheet for?

B1. Students should know present, past, and present perfect tenses. The focus is on tense backshift patterns, not on learning new tenses.

Can I modify it for my students?

Yes. The PDF is for personal classroom use. You can adapt the exercises to match your students’ needs, interests, and current topics.

How long does this worksheet take?

30-45 minutes for the core exercises, 60 minutes with production. Can be split across 2 classes.

Related Worksheets

• Present Perfect vs Past Simple Worksheet for Adults
• Phrasal Verbs Worksheet for Adults
• ESL Conversation Questions for Adults
• Business English Worksheet for Adults
• IELTS Speaking Practice Online

About This Worksheet

This worksheet is part of eslmaterials.org’s library of free, printable ESL resources for adult learners. All worksheets are designed by experienced teachers and tested in real classrooms.

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